Papa gâteau

Literally translated as, “cake daddy,” it is used to qualify a doting father, one who’s affectionate and good-natured, and possibly one who allows his children to wrap him around their little finger every once in a while.

This idiom, which appeared around the middle of the nineteenth century, was built as a derivation from the verb gâter, which means “to spoil”, both literally and figuratively. I will note that while spoiling a child has clear negative connotations in English, the French verb “gâter” depends on the context, and can mean either spoiling to excess, or pampering a child, but within reason.

I am fond of this expression because my own father was clearly the papa gâteau kind when my sister and I were growing up, and he also has a soft spot for cakes and sweet things, so it always seemed made for him.

The idiom can also be adapted to other members of a family — une maman gâteau (mommy), une tata gâteau (auntie), une grand-mère gâteau (grandmother), un oncle gâteau (uncle) — but it’s the father version that’s most often used.

I love these idioms that you do. I studied French 25 years ago, went to Paris recently. This has rekindled my interest in learning French, but I have been following your blog a while now for the recipes. I don’t post often, but just wanted to say this is such a great site to follow.

About Clotilde

Clotilde Dusoulier is a French food writer based in Paris. Her focus is on fresh, colorful, and seasonal foods, making room for both wholesome, nourishing dishes and sweet treats.

An enthusiastic explorer of flavors and observer of culinary trends, she leads private walking tours in Paris, contributes to international food and travel magazines, and writes cookbooks and guidebooks. She lives in Montmartre with her husband and their two little boys. Learn more »